Caterpillar D10 Bulldozer
The Caterpillar D10 bulldozer in 1:48th scale is manufactured by CCM and is part of a new series of highly detailed historic Caterpillar die-cast models. The first D10 was announced in 1977 and with it's powerful 700hp diesel engine and new high-drive propulsion system, soon demonstrated a performance increase over the successful Cat D9.
The track frames pivot with the individual linked metal track pads rotating smoothly, thanks to the fully working track tensioning system and modelled track rollers. The slightly curved shape of the tracks as they hang from the raised drive sprocket look great and each track pad has bolt fixing and grouser detailing.
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The single shank ripper has an adjustable ripper bar which can be pre-set in several different heights or removed altogether which is a nice touch on the model. The hydraulics are reasonably stiff, allowing the ripper to be fully positioned and the flexible hydraulic hosing looks great. |
The fully enclosed cab has a replicated interior with ROPs structure, fire extinguisher and highlighted rubber window seals and wipers for total realism. The grab rails are accurately scaled and fitted to the front cab frame and around the ROPS support structure. The surfaces of the upper deck have a textured pattern cast into them, simulating the anti-slip panelling of the full sized machine which looks authentic.
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The open engine compartment features a replicated V12 diesel engine with photo-etched upper side grills and large radiator hidden behind the photo-etched front grill, topped by the dominant single exhaust stack rising from the bonnet. The main lift cylinders are mounted to the front frame of the engine bay with flexible hydraulic lines dissapearing into the engine bay. |
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The castings are crisp with panel and bolt detailing all visible with a good quality paint finish which helps to highlight the casting details. Some of the finer details on the model include the integrated work lights with glass lenses on the front and rear corners of the upper deck along with painted lenses on the front of the engine compartment.
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The hydraulically operated blade has a good amount of up and down movement with accurately scaled fixed hydraulic piping. The blade has some good detailing of the cutting edge with all the fixing bolt holes visible for added realism. The blade tilt hydraulics have been added but, on the review sample, don't appear to move very much. |
The model is very well packaged in a two piece polystyrene carton inserted into an opening, quality cardboard box with the distinctive Caterpillar markings. The model looks great alongside the D10 pusher version and both are great additions to the growing 1:48th scale Caterpillar line from Classic Construction Models.
